Stafford Rangers are FA Cup heroes as 20-year wait ends in glorious fashion

Stafford Rangers stormed into the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in 20 years with a famous victory over Gateshead.

The Boro sent the National League side packing in a replay in front of a raucous Marston Road crowd on Tuesday night, sparking wild celebrations as a piece of club history was secured.

The rain came down, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the 3,000 supporters who packed into the ground and roared the Rangers towards a memorable triumph.

And there is another big occasion on the horizon for Graham Deakin’s men, who have landed a lucrative first-round showdown with League Two Grimsby Town at home across the weekend of November 7.

Rangers were in dreamland just six minutes into the contest when Scott Bakkor stabbed home to give them an early lead.

Bakkor and Darrhyl Mason caused Gateshead constant problems throughout the first half, with the latter doing brilliantly down the right to pick out Bakkor at the back post.

Mason then sent the home crowd into delirium in the 32nd minute, turning home from close range at the back post after a well-worked cross from the left.

Rangers made a blistering start to the second half, and the atmosphere at the ground was electric as they continued to pile on the misery for Gateshead.

Mitch Clarke extended the advantage with a close-range finish before local lad Joe Dunne rose unmarked to head home from a corner and make it four.

And then Jack Birch powered home a penalty to complete the emphatic and famous night. The Rangers simply blew Gateshead away.

It is the latest chapter in a cup run that has captured the imagination of the town. Almost 600 supporters made the 400-mile round trip to Gateshead last Saturday, where a battling 1-1 draw set up Tuesday’s winner-takes-all replay.

This time, the Boro made home advantage count. The reward is a place in the first round proper for the first time since the 2006/07 campaign, when Stafford faced Maidenhead United before advancing to a second-round tie against Brighton and Hove Albion, eventually losing 3-0.

And for a club that has endured difficult times, this represents a remarkable revival.

Deakin and his players have delivered an electrifying start to the season, with their FA Cup adventure beginning in the extra preliminary round in early August.

Tividale were the first hurdle, followed by Matlock Town, Northampton ON Chenecks, Hereford and Halesowen Town, who were seen off after a replay.

Now Gateshead have been added to the list, with the National League outfit unable to halt Stafford’s charge.